Downed communication system halts aid deliveries to Gaza

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United Nations and Red Crescent workers prepare aid for distribution. Associated Press/Photo by Hassan Eslaiah

Downed communication system halts aid deliveries to Gaza

The United Nations World Food Programme on Friday suspended aid shipments into Gaza after fuel shortages cut off internet and phone networks for a second day. Nearly all of the 2.3 million people in Gaza needed food and water supplies, and many faced possible starvation, said WFP spokeswoman Abeer Etefa. Israel’s war cabinet approved a plan on Friday to allow two diesel tankers into the region each day to support aid deliveries and power water infrastructure, The Jerusalem Post reported.

What else is happening in the war? The Israel Defense Forces on Thursday said its troops discovered a tunnel under the Al-Shifa Hospital and weapons inside the hospital compound. Israel has claimed Hamas terrorists constructed a network of tunnels beneath Gaza to plan operations, store munitions, and hide hostages. The IDF on Wednesday raided the hospital complex. Hamas has denied operating in or under medical facilities.

Dig deeper: Listen to Mary Reichard’s report on The WORLD and Everything in It podcast about Israel’s ground offensive.

Lauren Canterberry

Lauren Canterberry is a reporter for WORLD. She graduated from the World Journalism Institute and the University of Georgia with a degree in journalism, both in 2017. She worked as a local reporter in Texas and now lives in Georgia with her husband.